U by Kotex Security Ultra Thin Pads with Wings vs Chlorine Free Maxi Pads: which is safer?
Seventh Generation Chlorine Free Maxi Pads is the clear pick. U by Kotex Security Ultra Thin Pads with Wings carries a failing PFAS grade, and we never recommend buying a failing product.
Kotex Security
U by Kotex Security Ultra Thin Pads with Wings
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
LikelyPFAS in water-repellent finish (undisclosed)
PossibleSkin irritation from adhesive or coating residues
Our pick
Seventh Generation
Chlorine Free Maxi Pads
PFAS grade
Overall grade
Verdict
Hazard flags
Material
Confidence
PossibleFragrance allergen content
Where these two actually differ
- We flag PFAS in water-repellent finish (undisclosed) and Skin irritation from adhesive or coating residues on the Kotex Security and not on the Seventh Generation.
- We flag Fragrance allergen content on the Seventh Generation and not on the Kotex Security.
- The Kotex Security is Nonwoven fibers with unspecified water-resistant finish where the Seventh Generation is organic cotton, wood pulp, which is most of the difference in these two grades.
- The gap is 75 points, wide enough that this is not a close call, and the Seventh Generation is the one to buy.
- We are less certain about the Kotex Security grade, at 35% confidence against 78%, because it discloses less.
Both products run through the same public rubric, which covers materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls, plus a beyond-PFAS hazard analysis. Grades are model-based estimates, not lab tests. How grades work →
More period pads, see the full ranking